Electeical switch



BL D. HORTQN.

ELECTRICAL SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 22, 1915.

Patented May 3, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY B. D. HORTON.

ELECTRICAL SWITCH.

APPLlCATlON FILED JAN. 22. 1915.

1,376,813. Patented May 3,1921.

2 SHEETSSHEET Z.

Ii I616 FKEU {MM ATTORNEY BRYSON HORTON, OIE DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

PATENT FEE.

' .j ELECTRICAL SWITCH.

To all whom it may concern 'Be it known that I, BRYSON D. HORTON, acitizen of the United States, residing at Detroit,-in the countyof-VVayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Electrical Switches, ofwhich the following, taken inconnection 'with the accompanying sheet of drawings, is a full, clear,and concise description thereof. I My present invention relates tocertain improvements 'in that type of electrical switch commonlyreferred to as iron or armor-clad in which the switch mechanism ishoused within a metallic protecting casing and is provided with meanswhereby it maybe operated from without without requiring an opening ofthe cover and the exposure of the live conductor parts. The object of myinvention is to improve this general type of switch, to minimize theelement of hazard, which is present in handling high potential currents,to improve andsimplify the mechanical construction of theswitchmechanism itself and to improve the structural form of metallic orprotecting housing. Referring to the accompanying draw- 1ngs:--

F igure, 1 is a plan View of the switch mechanism embodying myinvention, the cover of the casing being open to show moreclearly thearrangement of the switch mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a view, partly in section, taken on line a-c of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 6-?) of Fig. 1with the cover in closed position and with the handle of theswitch' intheextreme off position.

Fig. 4 is a detail in side elevation of the operating handle andoscillating spring actuated mechanism which functions to cause an abruptand quick break between the contacts I Fig. 5 isa perspective view oithe connecting mechanism employed between the operating crank and themovable contact-actu- ZLtQIgbflI; 7 Fig.6 is a perspective view of theconnect. ing device between the actuator bar and the movable bladecontact;

Fig. 7is a similar view of a modified form of such crnnecting device;

Figsh8,"9 and 10 are details of modified formsof contacts and. fuse clipsupports;

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed January 22, 1915.-

Serial No. 3,703.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a modified form of switch mechanism in whichthe accelerating mechanism is located between the actuator member andthe operating crank;

Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the modification shown inFig. 11 with the switch mechanism in its normal on position;

Fig. 13 is a like view of the modification shown in Fig. 11 showing theaccelerating spring expanded to a point where the connection between thecontacts is about to be broken;

Figs. 14 and 15 are the perspective views of modified forms ofaccelerating spring housings and connecting links between the actuatormember and the operating crank;

Fig. 16 is a View in plan of a modified form of combined handle andaccelerating mechanism;

Fig. 17 is a view in side elevation thereof.

The stationary and cooperating movable contacts are mounted upon thebase 1 of insulating material, which is fastened by any suitableanchoring means 2, to the base of the metallic housing 3, the housingbeing provided with a hinged lid or cover 4. The

stationary contacts are of the jaw type and are indicated by'the,numeral 5. These jaw contacts are provided with fuse clips 6, which maybe of an integral construction, 2'. 6., they may be formed of a singlestamping of sheet metal bent into :torm as shown specifically in Fig. 8.Other and cooperating fuse clips are employed to accommodate sheet metalconstruction, as shown specifically in Fig. 10. The movably-mountedblade contacts 9 are operated by a cross-bar or actuator member 13, thisactuator member being either formed of insulating ma terial throughout,ormay comprise a metal bar enveloped by insulating sleeves 13 (as shownin Fig. 12). I find it advantageous to use a metal cross bar 13 to con-Patented May 3, 1921.

nect the movable contacts with the operating crank and suitably insulatesaid bar from the knife blade contacts such as by using iibrous orrubber sleeves 13, for the reason that the metal cross bar alwaysmaintains the knife blade in parallelism and in true alinement with thecooperating stationary jaw contacts. Experience has shown that wherecross bars oi fibrous or rubber or other non-metallic substances areused, tlu they will frequently warp and bend, making it impossible tokeep the contacts in line with each other so as to effectivelycooperate. It will be noted that when the insulat ing sleeves areclamped upon the cross bar 13 by means of the members 14:, such sleeveswill definitely anchor or position the connecting member or link.

This actuator bar is connected to the knife-blade contact 9, through theinstrumentality of the connecting device 1%, as shown more clearly indetail in Eig. 6. This connecting device preferably is made from asingle sheet of metal formed with a portion 15, conforming to thegeneral contour of the actuator member 13, thus p;o' ,'itling a seattherefor, and a depending part 16 to which the knife-bla contact isriveted by suitable rivets 1?. order to form positive connection withthe actuator bar, a screw bolt 18 is emploved. This connector may cal:the form or". piece device, such as is illustrated in Fig. the part 16being separate from the part z. but joined together by z. screw 19.which also serves the purpose of tightening the enveloping part of theconnector to the actu In order to prevent lateral disde in ator baplacement of the'two parts. the lower free end of the part i l is bentdownwardly at 20 to form a rectangular abutment. This makes it obviousthat in tightening the screw 19. rotary play or movement the parts willl e prevented as they re being drawn together. In order to provide forthe actuation of the moifble contacts. I provide a crank 21. which ismounted in the sides of the casing substantially at point i line withthe pivotal mount'" the pivoted blade contacts, thus providing ,ar asiibstantial throw or swing of the movable contacts within a givenlimited space. The crank 21 is connected with the cross bar or actuatormember 13 through the instrumontality of a two piece connecting member22, which comprises two sheet metal parts provided with jaw or cut-outportions at 23 oppositely (lisposed one to the other so as to confinethe actuator bar within the parts The parts are held together by a bolt24. Both part are provided with apertures 25, which are threaded uponthe crank before the same is bent into form. One end of the crank 2l i'prevented from being sprung out or its bearing by the washer 26 andcotter pin 27. The

opposite bearing end of the crank shaft is mounted within two cup-shapedbearing members 28, riveted to the inner and outer sides of the casing.In order to provide for the throw of the c 'ank to manipulate the switchmechanism, an exterior handle 29 is used. This handle is of one piececonstruction made from a piece of tubing slotted at 30 and swaged intoan intermediate fiat portion 31 and provided with curved end portions32, the latter taking the conformation of the operating crank, andsurround ingand having bearing thereon. A bolt 33 serves to hold theparts together, but not sufiiciently tight to prevent the handle fromoscillating upon its bearing, to a limited ex tent, to provide for theproper manipulation of the switch.

By supporting the operating crank at both ends, or at both sides of thehousing, it will be seen that substantial rigidity of construction issecured, although the parts themselves may not be carefully fitted or beof particularly substantial construction. Prefer .bly also the operatingcrank is connected to the actuator bar in such a way as to exert asubstantially balanced pull thereon. as in this way twisting strainsupon the switch mechanism are a'-7oided, the proper alineinent oi theknife-contacts with the jaw contacts is maintained, and the simultaneousbreaking of both sides of the circuit is insured. in the particularexample or" my inv ntion illustrated, this balanced pull is obtained byconnecting the link 22 with the actuator bar substantially midway hot ion the knife-blades, although it will be understood that otherrrangements secursimilar results may be employed.

These features, and also the making 01" the operating crank oi anintegral bent tal are of great practical importance in the art as theycontribute to the production of a switch which is strong, substantial,durable and reliable in operation, and which, at the same time, may beconstructed at such a small cost as to make it arailablo for every use.This is possible because the features of construction and organization rferred toassure satisfac -5 ope ition without requiring the use ofaccurately liter and machined parts which would i ake the cost of theswitch prohibitive for most pur poses.

In Figs. 16 ano l? are illustrated a modified to or". operati handlewhich also made oi one piece, but of channel formation, h same beingbowed. .'8lSG l upon c cent or self at 29, the free ends being brought tgether into rectangular formation at 29". The semicircular cut-outportions are pro- 1 ided for the accommodation of the operating crank36.

In order to provide for a quick and rapid accelerating mechanism towhich the power of a spring is utilized toeXert a force upon thecrankto' aid 1n its movement, thus making more rapid the break between thecontacts; This feature of the invention com- .pr1ses a curved rod 84,-whlch 1s riveted and held fast tothe operating handle 29 at 35.

This rod ismounted to reciprocate through an aperture 60 w th n the endof the bentup portion 36 of the operating crank. Surrounding the rod 34;and held between the end of thebent-u p portion 36 anda washer 37, is aspring 38, which is compressed when the handle 29 is operated to breakthe connection between the contacts as will be more mechanismare of thesame general character'as that heretofore descrlbed 1n connect1on withFigs. ljto 4t inclusive.

In 'FigsIll. to 13 inclusive 1 have illustrated a modified form-in whichthe accelerating'spring is mounted in the interior of the casing andpreferably within a suitable housing at 803whichis'carried by theoperatingcrank 21 at one endand in sliding engagement withthe actuatormember 13 *at'its opposite end, said housing being suitably slottedat'SO to permit of the required.

lost motion tobringthe accelerating spring into-operation: T heaccelerating spring 38 in thisform is directly connected atone end 31 tothe operating crank,.and at the opposite endiat. 31to the actuatormember.

. This is formed of a single piece of metal in channel formation, thetwo sides being slotted at '30 for. the accommodation and movement'oftheactuator member 13 and projecting hook-like ears 32.

These ears pro ect infl diametrically opposite directions, thus formingthe space 32 for the accommodation .oftheoperating crank '21.

"in; Fig. 15 the combined connecting link and accelerating springhousing is made of two partsfand. in some respects, 1s similar tothatshown in Fig. 14 excepting that the ears 132" pro ect from'the sides ofthe chan- .nel part in a common direction. A plate 83 .isdetachablyconnected to the channel part so asflto afford retaining means for theoperating crank when the 'sameoccupies the space 32;.9.;;,The plate .83?is provided with apertures for the reception of the ends 33 .of-the ears32*;and :other i apertures for the accommodation of perforated ears 33,which are formed intcgral with the sides of the channel part and projecttherefrom.

it will be obvious that inasmuch as the curved rod 34 moves with thehandle 29' (and the latter being free to rotate on the bearing end ofthe crank 21) the crank 21 will not begin to move until the confinedspring 38 is compressed between the washer 37 and the curved end 36 ofthe crank 21 sufiiciently to overcome the adherence or frictionalgrip'between the contacts. As soon as this is accomplished the springexpends it stored power and exerts it against the operating crankQl,causing it to swing abruptly to 'breakconnection between the contacts.

The operation of the construction shown in Figs. 1]. to13 inclusive issomewhat I analogous to the one heretofore described in connection withFigs. 1 to 4 inclusive and 16 and 17 It will be obvious that since theconnection between the operating crank 21 and the actuator member isthrough the accelerating spring 88, and since the actuator member 13 isfree to move within the con necting link or housing 30 to a limitedextent, the accelerating'spring 38' is put under an expansive tensionpreliminary to the break between the contacts." By operating the handle29 the crank may-be moved to the position shown in Fig. 13, at whichtime the contractile spring has been expanded and energ stored therein,which expendsitself in the acceleration of the movable knife bladecontacts, thus causing a quick break and consequently minimizing thetendency toward arcing. If the frictional adherence between the j aw andknife blade contacts is too great to be overcome by the power of thecontractile spring 38, the end ofthe con- .necting link or housingfillwill engage the actuator member 13 and move it and the kni eebladecontacts to a point where the spring tension is sufficient to effect arapid and complete break between the contacts.

The cover is provided with an enlargement 39'for the accommodation ofthe movable blade contacts and crank when thrown to their ofi'positions.

In order to stop and look off the switch mechanism in its inactive or01f POSlr .ijlOll, I provide mechanism which I will now describei Aplate 40 riveted to the undel" side of the cover has a depending angularextension 41. One end 41 of this depending extension is adapted, innormal operation of the switch, to engage the crank 21 when the switchis in open position and to thereby act as stop for the switch mechanism.The switch mechanism may be opened and closed as desired without anyinterference by this end of the extension. The extension is alsoprovided with a notch 42 of sufficient size to accommodate the crank 21,so that after the cover has been opened and the crank moved to theextreme end of its contact breaking position, and the cover thereafterclosed, the crank may be seated within the notch 42 and be preventedfrom moving toward its contact closing position. The contour of thisnotch and its location relative to the pivot of the crank and hinge ofthe casing is such, that when one moves the crank away from the extremeoff position at the left, as shown in Fig. 3, toward the on position,the crank will be intercepted and extension 41 will engage the crank onthe side thereof, facing the pivot,

so that the cover cannot be opened by forcing the crank toward onposition.

I also provide, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 a stop 40 fast to a side ofthe casing and in a position to intercept the crank when moved towardthe extreme open position after the cover has been opened. By thuslimiting the movement of the crank it is impossible to crowd the crankover against the leads, when the cover is open, thereby possibly shortcircuiting the line. It is also especially desirable to so limit thecrank movement in switches wherein the fuses are on the side of theswitches next the knife blades. Further this stop 40' cooperates withthe extension 41, when the switch is locked off, to restrict the crankto a limited movement only.

It will, therefore, be apparent that the plate 40 with its dependingextension 41 is adapted to function both for arresting the movement ofthe switch in normal operation at a predetermined point, when the switchcrank 21 engages the end 41 of this extension, and it is also adapted tolock the switch mechanism at another point, namely, the extreme offposition whenever it is desired to lock the switch open on account ofthe notch 42 engaging the switch crank 21. When the switch is lockedcompletely off, the switch crank lies between the top of the plate 40'and the notched part 42 of the extension 41.

In order to provide for the convenien wiring of the switch, the ends ofthe casing are apertured at 43 and 44. The apertured end 43 is normallyclosed by a plate 45, provided with knock-out portions 46, which may beof the desired number to conform to the number of wires that areemployed. This plate is held in place by lugs 47, and is confined withinthe casing by the cover thereof, when in closed position. The plate, itwill be understood, may be withdrawn from the casing when it is desiredto knock out the knock-out parts 46, preparatory to wiring the switch.The opposite apertured end of the casing is likewise provided withdetachable or removable end plates of like mounting, excepting that theplate itself is provided with an oblong slot in which is mounted aporcelain insulating bushing 48, provided with suitable holes 49conforming in size to the particular wires that are employed.

I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precisestructure shown and described as the same may be varied and departedfrom and still be within the spirit and scope of my invention as setforth in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new herein anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In combination with a metal. housing, of a base, a plurality ofstationary contacts mounted on said base, a plurality of knife bladecontacts pivotally mounted at one end to said base and adapted tocooperate at then other ends with said stationary contacts, a cross armsecured to said knife blade contacts at a distance removed from the freeends of said blade contacts, a crank mounted to swing about an axis inalinement with the axis of said knife blade contacts, said crank havingan elongated portion parallel with sald cross arm, and lateral armsshorter than said knife blade contacts, an elongated link connecting theelongated portion of said crank with the middle of said cross arm, ahandle secured to said crank and disposed exteriorly of said metallichousing for operating said crank, a cover for said metallic housing, andan obstruction on said cover engaging said crank when the switch is inofi' position and the cover has been closed thereby locking the switchin such off position.

2. In an armor clad switch, in combination, a metallic housingcomprising a cover, sides and a hinge between said cover and one side,and a switch mechanism including a crank journaled in one of the sidesof the housing, said cover carrying a depending extension projectinginto the housing and having a notch therein, a wall of said notch beingdisposed, when the cover is closed and the crank is in the off position,in the path of the crank to intercept it when moved toward the onposition, a portion of said extension comprising means to engage thecrank, when so intercepted, and prevent the opening of the cover by thecrank, substantially as described.

3. In an electrical switch, the combination of a housing, a base ofinsulating material therein, a plurality of spaced stationary contactson said base, a plurality of knife blade contacts pivotally mounted atone end on said base, a transversely extending actuating memberextending over said knife blade contacts and rigidly connected thereto,at a distance removed from their free ends, an operating crank mountedto swing about an axis in alinement with the axis of said knife bladecontacts, and having a portion extending over and substantially parallelwith said actuating member and lateral arms shorter than said knifeblade contacts, an elongated link connecting said crank portion withsaid actuator member at an interme diate position on said member and anoperating handle mounted exteriorly of the housing and operativelyconnected to said crank to manipulate the crank and said contacts.

4. In an armor-clad switch, in combination, a metallic housingcomprising a cover, sides and a hinge between said cover and one side,and a switch mechanism including a crank journaled in one of the sidesof the housing, said cover carrying a depending extension in the path ofthe crank when the cover is closed, to intere'ngag'e with the crank whenmoved from the extreme off position toward the on position, saidextension comprising means whereby when the cover is closed and thecrank is so moved the crank and extension parts will interlock so thatforcing of the cover open by the crankwill be prevented substantially asdescribed.

5. In an armor clad switch, the combination with a metallic housingcomprising a movable cover and sides, and a switch mechanism including acrank journaled on one of the sides of the housing, of means on thecover, when closed, for locking the crank in the limiting position ofits movement, and means on said housing and cooperating with the lockingmeans on said cover to limit the oscillation of said crank when theswitch is locked in off position.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

BRYSON D. HORTON. Witnesses:

HARRY S. FREEMAN, IGNATIUS W. KAHN.

